Fantastic Four Sequel Moved Back a Week to Avoid Star Wars Showdown, Plus New Images from Reboot

Following Disney's announcement of Star Wars Episode VIII's release date yesterday, 20th Century Fox has moved their Fantastic Four sequel back a week in order to avoid competing with the unbeatable franchise.

Star Wars Episode VIII is now set for May 26, 2017, while Fantastic Four 2 was set for only a week later on June 2. Now, Fantastic Four 2 has a June 9 release date, in order to give Star Wars two weeks of breathing room. This is likely a prudent move, as Star Wars will inevitably dominate the box office for a few weeks. Fox may have even wanted to move it further, but two weeks is just enough time that they might have a chance of toppling Star Wars from the top if the first film does well.

There are also new images from the first film, which first appeared on Total Film. The stills aren't all that exciting on their own, but they do serve to remind us how amazing the young cast is. Fox also seems to be showcasing Miles Teller slightly more than the other actors, which makes sense, since his career is at an all-time high with his star turn in Oscar winner Whiplash and the rave reviews for his performance in the upcoming Insurgent:

[Credit: 20th Century Fox]

[Credit: 20th Century Fox]

[Credit: 20th Century Fox]

[Credit: 20th Century Fox]

Fantastic Four is set to come out in theaters on August 7, 2015, and Fantastic Four 2 will now come out on June 9, 2017.